US agencies draft new quantum sensing and networking plans

[Benzema]

MeriTalk reports that several US federal agencies are drafting research and development plans for quantum sensing and quantum networking. The agencies involved include the Energy Department, the National Science Foundation, the Commerce Department and the Defense Department, working with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Brad Blakestad, director of the National Quantum Coordination Office, confirmed the plans are being drafted now

This all stems from a June 2026 executive order that set out government wide goals for quantum technology. One of the headline targets is for the US to field at least three quantum sensors by 2028. The order also covers progress on quantum networking and on building a scientifically relevant fault tolerant quantum computer. The administration is also working with Congress to reauthorise the National Quantum Initiative, the legal framework that has guided federal quantum work for several years

The interesting shift is towards commercialisation. Blakestad talked about lowering the barriers that are slowing down quantum companies, which suggests the focus is moving from pure research towards getting products out of labs. That is a big change in tone for a field that has mostly been funded as long term science. Investors will be watching closely

Quantum sensing tends to get less attention than quantum computing, but it is arguably closer to being useful. Sensors that can measure gravity, magnetic fields or time with extreme precision have applications in navigation, mineral exploration, medical imaging and defence. Navigation without GPS is a particularly hot topic given how easily satellite signals can be jammed

Three sensors by 2028 does not sound like a huge number, but it depends what counts as fielded. Do you think governments should be leading on this, or leaving it to private companies? And is anyone here working with quantum sensing in any form?

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